The Station Photo GPW in front of the
100th Bombardment Group Control Tower, a spot where the original version may
well have once parked.
World War 2 and 2015
My most recent project was the
restoration of this '43 Ford GPW, started in February 2012. It didn't look too bad in the photo next to
my other Jeep ( see below ), but the tub was pretty shot, except from the firewall forwards.
There were however, lots of nice 'f' marked parts such as the pintle hook,
radiator, front cross member, bumper, fuel filter and more, and it had never
been abused in a major rebuild.
The engine's head
is a Ford casting, while the block is actually a 1939 Willys block. A
replacement 1944 ACM Type 2 body was been sourced, and while not the correct
year, it is at least original, and not a repro.
The Jeep was pretty much
completed by the end of 2013, with the first engine run late December and its
first move under its own power on the drive in January 2014.
The registration documents
came through late March 2014, and the insurance began on April 16th when my
other vehicles renewed.
World War 2 and 2015
January 2012 As Purchased
March 2012 Engine & Transmission Out
April 2012 Chassis Stripped Down
May 2012 Chassis Ready for Repairs
March 2013 Rolling Chassis Complete
April 2013 Trial Fit of Tub
May 2013 Painting the Tub
May 2013 Painting the Tub
May 2013 Fitting Out the Tub
June 2013 Fitting the Tub
July 2013 Fitting the Fenders, Hood
and Grill
August 2013 Not Far Away Now
September 2013 Painting the
Markings
September 2013 Painting the
Markings
September 2013 Glazing the Screen
January 2014 Complete
December 2014, clocking up the first 100 miles since rebuild.
April 2014 Complete and First Drive
June 2014
First event, with photographic display items
May 2015, home base; the 100th Bombardment Group (
Heavy ), Station 139, Thorpe Abbotts
